Chew toys comprising biologically degradable material

ABSTRACT

An interconnected ring chain comprises a first ring comprising a biologically degradable material and having a first shape and a second ring comprising a biologically degradable material and having a second shape and interconnected with the first ring such that the first and second rings are both movable and substantially inseparable relative to each other. Each ring may be solid (continuous) or non-solid (discontinuous) such that the rings may be interconnected by mechanical or non-mechanical methods. A chain may be formed from rings having the same or various shapes.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Ser. No. 60/881,644 filed Jan.22, 2007, which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.

This application claims priority to U.S. Ser. No. 60/836,049 filed Aug.7, 2006, which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.

This application incorporates by reference all patents and applicationsfor patents described, listed, identified, discussed in thisapplication, including the following applications which are incorporatedby reference: U.S. Pat. No. 6,202,598 issued Mar. 20, 2001, U.S. Ser.No. 60/441,694 filed Jan. 22, 2003, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,837,037 issuedJan. 4, 2005.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to biologically degradable(“biodegradable”) toys for pets in general and more particularly to chewtoys which are in ring shape including interconnected ring chain toyscomprising biologically degradable material and to chew toys thatcomprise overmolded portions of biologically degradable material.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,202,598 “Chewable Molded Pet Toy” and 6,837,037“Interconnected Rubber Ring Chain,” which are hereby incorporated intheir entirety by reference for all purposes, the inventor of thepresent application disclosed toys and methods of forming such toys.

Such toys are typically made of rubber. However, a need exists for toysto be made by other material.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An interconnected ring chain comprises a first ring comprising abiologically degradable material and having a first shape and a secondring comprising a biologically degradable material and having a secondshape and interconnected with the first ring such that the first andsecond rings are both movable and substantially inseparable relative toeach other. Each ring may be solid (continuous) or non-solid(discontinuous) such that the rings may be interconnected by mechanicalor non-mechanical methods. A chain may be formed from rings having thesame or various shapes.

One embodiment of the invention relates to a biodegradable chew toyhaving a biologically degradable material that is overmolded by a secondplastic material that is made of the same material as the first plasticmaterial which has a different color(s) and/or flavor(s) than that ofthe first plastic material. The material used for the first and secondplastic materials is biodegradable.

In another embodiment of the invention a biodegradable chew toy isformed by having a food material such as jerky inserted into or placedin a mold and then the biologically degradable material is molded aroundit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates pair of rings used to form a chain in accordance withthe teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a pair of rings used toform a chain of the invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a series of grooves provided on one of the ringsshown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 illustrates the use of grooves on both rings shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 illustrates a ring used to form a chain in accordance with analternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a chain formed from a plurality of rings inaccordance with the invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a chain of theinvention.

FIG. 8 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a chain of theinvention.

FIG. 9 is a front elevation view of a core formed in accordance with afirst embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the core of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a view in section taken through line 3-3 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a view in section taken through line 4-4 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 is a front elevation view of the core of FIG. 9 overmolded witha soft layer of biodegradable material;

FIG. 14 is a view in section taken through line 6-6 of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a view in section taken through line 7-7 of FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 is a front elevation view of a second embodiment of theinvention wherein the core of FIG. 9 is overmolded or coated only on itsend portions;

FIG. 17 is a front elevation view of a core formed in accordance with athird embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 18 is a view in section taken through line 10-10 of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a view in section taken through line 11-11 of FIG. 17;

FIG. 20 is a front elevation view of the core of FIG. 17 overmolded witha softer layer of biodegradable material;

FIG. 21 is a view in section taken through line 13-13 of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a view in section taken through line 14-14 of FIG. 20;

FIG. 23 is a front elevation view of a core formed in accordance with afourth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 24 is a view in section taken through line 16-16 a FIG. 23, afterthe core has been overmolded with a softer cover layer;

FIGS. 25A-D illustrates an example of a further embodiment of thepresent invention wherein a biodegradable chew toy has a first bodyformed of a biodegradable material that is over molded with the samematerial by a second body but where the first body has different colorsand/or flavors from the second body.

FIGS. 26A-E illustrates a further embodiment of the present inventionwherein a biodegradable chew toy has a first body formed of abiodegradable material that is over molded with the same material by asecond body but where the first body has different colors and/or flavorsfrom the second body; and

FIGS. 27A-E illustrates an example of a yet further embodiment of thepresent invention wherein a biodegradable chew toy is formed by having afood material such as jerky inserted into a mold and then thebiodegradable plastic material is molded around it.

FIG. 28 a is a top view of a pet toy and FIG. 28 b is a cross-sectionallaid-open view of the toy.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description is of the best mode or modes of theinvention presently contemplated. Such description is not intended to beunderstood in a limiting sense, but to be an example of the inventionpresented solely for illustration thereof, and by reference to which inconnection with the following description and the accompanying drawingsone skilled in the art may be advised of the advantages and constructionof the invention. In the various views of the drawings, like referencecharacters designate like or similar parts.

FIGS. 1-8 illustrate a first type of edible chew toy comprising a chainas taught further herein and FIGS. 9-28 illustrate further types of chewtoys. Each toy is preferably formed from one or more biologicallydegradable materials 10. Preferably, each toy comprises at least onematerial that is thermoplastic or has thermoplastic tendencies.

Such a thermoplastic material 10 may have different qualities such aselasticity or brittleness. Therein, a biologically degradable material10 a is operatively elastic, while a biologically degradable material 10b is operatively inelastic. Such a biologically degradable material maybe any known or yet developed biologically degradable material and thatpreferably has thermoplastic properties and/or are injection moldable.

FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of a chain 50 of the inventionhaving a first solid or continuous ring 60 interconnected with a secondnon-solid, segmented or discontinuous ring 70. The second ring 70 isprovided with a joint 80 having a first “male” part 90 and a second“female” part 100 that are joined together to secure the second ring 70to the first ring 60, such that the rings 60, 70 are movable relative toeach other yet substantially inseparable from each other. Each ring 60,70 has a round or circular shape, although other shapes arecontemplated. For purposes of explanation, the term “ring” as usedherein will be understood to mean a continuous-loop object, it beingunderstood that the term “ring” shall not be limited to an annular,toroidal shape. Also, while certain rings may be illustrated herein withround cross-sections, such cross-section can be any shape, and may havea thickness that is solid or hollow, tubular. Such rings may be anysize.

In FIG. 1, the second ring 70 is looped through the first ring 60 andthen the joint part 90 is inserted into the joint part 100 to attach orotherwise secure the second ring 70 relative to the first ring 60.Although not necessary, a biologically degradable adhesive (not shown)may be used to secure the joint 80. If an adhesive is used, the opening100 would preferably be notched to better support a glue joint. A notchcan be created so that the second ring 70 will not come apart even undertremendous pull tension and even if an adhesive is not used. Theadhesive, if used, is preferably applied all around the notch in orderto maximize the adhesion area. The glued joint 80 creates the appearanceof a groove (see FIGS. 2 and 4 discussed below) in the second ring 70.The resultant chain 50 formed by the plurality of rings 60, 70 could beused for tug-of-war and other amusements with one's pet. Of course, anynumber of rings may be looped together to form a chain as long as suchnumber is preferably greater than one.

FIGS. 2-4 illustrate an alternative embodiment of a chain 110 of theinvention having a first solid or continuous ring 120 and a secondnon-solid or discontinuous ring 130 looped therethrough. The second ring130 has first joint part 140 and a second joint part 150 that are joinedtogether to form a joint 155 (FIG. 4) in the same manner as illustratedin FIG. 1. Because the joinder of the joint parts 140, 150 creates ajoint 155 (FIG. 4) having a grooved appearance, one groove 160 (FIG. 2)or multiple grooves 160, 170, 180 (FIG. 3) are preferably fashioned intothe outer periphery of the second ring 130 to camouflage the groovedappearance created by the joint 155. Similarly, a series of indentationsor grooves 190, 200, 210, 220 can be created in the first ring 120 (FIG.4) so that the solid and non-solid rings 120, 130 look the same. Suchgrooves may be spaced around the outer periphery of the rings in arandom, uniform and/or equidistant pattern. Again, the rings may becompletely round as shown in FIGS. 1-3, or may be formed from othershapes as shown later in connection with FIG. 8.

FIGS. 5-8 illustrate a further embodiment of the present invention,wherein a series of two or more objects or rings comprising material 10a or 10 b are interconnected without utilizing glue or other mechanicalbonding. Such embodiment may create a chain 270 of rings.

First, one ring 230 is molded (FIG. 5) using means known in the art.Then, the molded ring 230 is placed in a second mold where another ring240 is then molded so that the second ring 240 runs through the centerof the first ring 230 (FIG. 6). This process can then be repeated tocreate a chain 270 formed from a plurality of looped rings 230, 240,250, 260 (FIGS. 6 and 7). In this way a substantially unbreakable,non-tearing chain 270 of biodegradable material rings is created. Othershaped rings 280, 290, 300 (FIG. 8) that are both round and polygonalcould also be used and created through such interlocking method, allwithout utilizing adhesive or other mechanical means of locking. In thismanner a more versatile dog toy is created, one that can be used a tugor a chew toy by a pet.

The present invention will now be described in conjunction with thedrawings, beginning with FIGS. 9 and 10 which show a core or body 410 ofa chewable pet toy. Core 410 is shown in the shape of a dog bone 412 forthe purpose of illustration, however, virtually any shape of core orbody may be used. Dog bone core 412 is formed with a central elongatedshaft 414 having a pair of bulbous enlarged knobs or condyles 16 formedon opposite ends of the shaft 414.

As seen in FIG. 11, the shaft 414 of core 410 may have a circular crosssection. Of course, other cross-sections such as oval and rectangularmay be used. The knobs or condyles 416 may have a figure eight orhourglass cross section as shown in FIG. 12. Again, other condyles 416may be formed with other cross sections such as round (in the case ofspherical condyles) oval or even rectangular sections.

Core 410 is preferably formed of a relatively harder material such asbiologically degradable material 10 b. Conventional plastic moldingtechniques can be used, such as injection molding, to form core 410. Inorder to produce a desirable chew toy in accordance with the invention,a softer layer or coating 418 comprising biologically degradablematerial 10 a is provided over at least a portion of core 410 as shownin FIGS. 13, 14, and 15.

Coating layer 418 may be formed by overmolding a chewable soft materialcover layer over the harder and stiffer core 410. Again, injectionmolding may be used to form layer 18, although other techniques such asa dipping, painting or spraying could also be used. A thermoplasticelastomer may be used to form layer 418.

In FIGS. 13, 14 and 15, the entire core 410 is completely encapsulatedand overmolded with coating layer 418 to form a chewable pet toy 420.However, as shown in FIG. 16, only a portion or selected portions of thecore 410 may be covered by coating layer 418 to form toy 420. In theexample of FIG. 16, condyles 416 and a portion 422 of the adjoining endsof shaft 14 are overmolded or otherwise covered with coating layer 418.This example produces sections similar to those shown in FIGS. 11 and15.

Alternatively, the shaft 414 can be coated or overmolded with a coatinglayer 418 and the knobs or condyles 416 on core 410 may remain exposedand uncoated so as to produce sections such as those shown in FIGS. 12and 14. In the example of FIG. 16, the coating layer 418 can bepreformed as a sleeve or sock of soft biologically degradable material10 a and stretched over each condyle 416 in the manner of a resilientsock. Alternatively, an open ended tubular cylindrical sleeve could bestretched over one of the condyles 416 and pulled onto shaft 414 tocover only the shaft 414 so as to leave the condyles 416 of core 410exposed.

In order to provide increased retention of cover layer 418 on core 410,one or more through bores or passages 424 are formed through core 410 toprovide anchorage to layer 418 as seen in FIGS. 17, 18 and 19. Bores 424may be formed completely through the shaft 14 as shown in FIG. 19.

When the core 410 of FIG. 17 is overmolded or otherwise encapsulated ina softer cover layer 418 as shown in FIGS. 20, 21 and 22, the coverlayer 418 flows into and through the bores 424 so as to interconnect theopposite sides of layer 418 to the interior of core 410. This locks thelayer 418 on the surface of core 410 in a secure fashion and resistsremoval of the layer 418 from the core 410 by chewing, abrading or othermechanical forces applied by a pet.

Rather than form through bores 424 completely through core 410, it isalso possible to provide enhanced retention of layer 418 on core 410 byforming dimples, recesses or pockets on the surface of core 410. As seenin FIGS. 23 and 24, a series of small recesses 426 is formed in thesurface of core 410 to serve as retention or anchor points for layer418, which is shown in dashed lines in FIG. 23. Once layer 418 isapplied to core 410, the softer material of layer 418 enters and fillseach of the recesses 426 and thereby locks layer 418 to core 410 asshown in FIG. 24.

Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 25A-D and FIGS. 26A-E illustrate anembodiment of the invention in which a biodegradable chew toy 451 ismade by over molding techniques known in the art such as provided aboveor as suggested, but not limited to, U.S. Pat. No. 6,202,598 which isincorporated herein by reference thereto.

The chew toy 451 is formed by taking a first molded biodegradableplastic material 455 comprising biologically degradable material 10 a or10 b and over molding it with a second biodegradable plastic material460 comprising biologically degradable material 10 a or 10 b. The secondplastic material 460 is made of the same plastic material as the firstplastic material 455 but has dissimilar color(s) and/or flavor(s).

The biodegradable plastic material for materials 5 and 10 can be madefrom a starch such as corn starch and contain a binder such as EVA(Booda Velvets) or Casein (TFH Edibles).

Aesthetically different shapes and colors can be produced to providevarious shaped and colored chew toys FIGS. 25A-D illustrate one possiblepet chew toy having an outer or second plastic material 460 that iscircularly shaped.

The interior or first plastic material 455 can have a different shape,color and/flavor from the second plastic material 460 such as heartshaped (FIG. 25A).

FIGS. 26A-D illustrate another pet chew toy having an outer or secondplastic material 460 having a dog bone shape with a dog bone shapedinterior or first plastic material 455. The first plastic material 5 canhave a different color or colors from the second plastic material 10 aswell as different flavor or flavors. The materials would bebiodegradable materials.

It is understood that various shapes and colors can be used and that theillustrations in FIGS. 25A-D and FIGS. 26A-E are only illustrative andnot intended to be limiting as to the invention.

A further embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 27A-E where thepet chew toy 451 is formed by a material such as a food item 475 beinginserted or located inside of the molded biodegradable plastic material470. The food item can be beefjerky or any other suitable item forinsertion into the molded plastic material 470.

Alternatively the plastic material 470 can be over molded over the fooditem 475 in the manner previously described in connection with the firstembodiment of the invention and which is incorporated by referenceherein thereto. Again the biodegradable plastic material 470 can be madefrom a starch such as corn starch and contain a binder such as EVA(Booda Velvets) or Casein (TFH Edibles).

In FIGS. 27A-E, the plastic material 475 and the food insert 475 areshaped as dog bones.

It is understood that this is just an illustrative example of theinvention and that the invention is not intended to be limited to anyshape. For the plastic material 470 and for the food item 475 each ofwhich can have different shapes including from each other. The food item475 is made in one piece and is located within the center 478 of theplastic material 470 (see FIG. 27E showing half of the pet chew toy 451of FIG. 27B) and extends throughout the plastic material 470 and to theends 476, 477 of the plastic material 470 as shown in FIGS. 27A and 27C.

FIGS. 28 a-28 b illustrate a further embodiment. Therein, FIG. 28 a is atop view of a pet toy and FIG. 28 b is a cross-sectional laid-open viewof the toy. A pet toy 500 comprising biologically degradable materialsand includes a plurality of portions, wherein one or more portions areovermolded. The pet toy may have any suitable shape desired.

For example, herein, pet toy 500 includes a first portion 510 that isovermolded by a second portion 515. Pet toy 500 is formed to provide anappearance of a culinary-dressed chicken leg having a “bone” portion anda “meat” portion comprising respectively portions 510 and 515.

Herein, first portion 510 (emphasized by an outline) comprisespreferably biologically degradable material 10 a having greaterelasticity and less hardness than biologically degradable material 10 bwhile second portion 515 comprises biologically degradable material 10b. However, the portion 510 may comprise biologically degradablematerial 10 b while portion 515 may comprise biologically degradablematerial 10 a. One skilled in the art would recognize that both portionsmay comprise the same biologically degradable material.

Further, the biologically degradable materials of portions 510 and 515may be colored and/or textured to differentiate each other.

Portion 510 comprises one or more keys 510 a that permit an overmolding,such as portion 515, to adhere to portion 510 and to resist separationfrom it.

While the present invention has been described at some length and withsome particularity with respect to the several described embodiments, itis not intended that it should be limited to any such particulars orembodiments or any particular embodiment, but it is to be construed withreferences to the appended claims so as to provide the broadest possibleinterpretation of such claims in view of the prior art and, therefore,to effectively encompass the intended scope of the invention.Furthermore, the foregoing describes the invention in terms ofembodiments foreseen by the inventor for which an enabling descriptionwas available, notwithstanding that insubstantial modifications of theinvention, not presently foreseen, may nonetheless represent equivalentsthereto.

1. An interconnected biodegradable material ring chain adapted for oralcontact comprising: a) a first biodegradable material ring having afirst shape, and b) a second biodegradable material ring having a secondshape and interconnected with said first biodegradable material ring ina looped fashion such that said first and second biodegradable materialrings are both independently movable and substantially inseparablerelative to each other, c) wherein said second biodegradable materialring is attached around said first biodegradable material ring by insertmolding such that said first biodegradable material ring is molded in afirst mold and then inserted into a second mold whereby said secondbiodegradable material ring is molded around said molded firstbiodegradable material ring.
 2. An interconnected biodegradable materialchain in accordance with claim 1, wherein said first and second shapesare the same.
 3. An interconnected biodegradable material ring chain inaccordance with claim 1, wherein said first and second shapes aredifferent.
 4. An interconnected biodegradable material ring chain inaccordance with claim 1, wherein at least one of said rings has a seriesof grooves or indentations.
 5. An interconnected biodegradable materialring chain, comprising: a) a first biodegradable material ring having afirst shape, and b) a second biodegradable material ring having a secondshape and interconnected with said first biodegradable material ring ina looped fashion such that said first and second biodegradable materialrings are both independently movable and substantially inseparablerelative to each other, c) wherein said second biodegradable materialring is attached around said first biodegradable material ring, and d)wherein said second biodegradable material ring is discontinuous andfurther comprises a joint having a first part and a second part that arenon-adhesively joined to create a substantially unbreakable solid ring.6. An interconnected biodegradable material ring chain in accordancewith claim 1, wherein one of said first and second biodegradablematerial rings is solid and continuous and the other is segmented.
 7. Aninterconnected biodegradable material ring chain in accordance withclaim 1, wherein at least one of said rings is segmented.
 8. Aninterconnected biodegradable material ring chain, comprising: a) a firstbiodegradable material ring having a first shape, and b) a secondbiodegradable material ring having a second shape and interconnectedwith said first biodegradable material ring in a looped fashion suchthat said first and second biodegradable material rings are bothindependently movable and substantially inseparable relative to eachother, c) wherein at least one of said rings is segmented, and d)wherein said segmented biodegradable material ring further comprises atleast one joint having a grooved appearance and at least one othergroove that does not constitute a joint but that visually resembles thegrooved appearance of the joint.
 9. An interconnected biodegradablematerial ring chain in accordance with claim 8, further comprising aplurality of other grooves.
 10. An interconnected biodegradable materialring in accordance with claim 9, wherein said joint and plurality ofother grooves are equally spaced around said segmented biodegradablematerial ring.
 11. An interconnected biodegradable material ring chainin accordance with claim 1, wherein at least one said first and secondshapes is completely round.
 12. An interconnected biodegradable materialring chain in accordance with claim 1, wherein at least of said firstand second shapes is a polygon.
 12. An interconnected biodegradablematerial ring chain, comprising: a) a first biodegradable material ringhaving a first shape, and b) a second biodegradable material ring havinga second shape and interconnected with said first biodegradable materialring in a looped fashion such that said first and second biodegradablematerial rings are both independently movable and substantiallyinseparable relative to each other, c) wherein at least one of saidfirst and second shapes is a polygon, and d) wherein at least one saidfirst and second shapes is completely round.
 13. An interconnectedbiodegradable material ring chain in accordance with claim 1, furthercomprising three or more interconnected biodegradable material rings,each ring having a different shape.
 14. An interconnected biodegradablematerial ring chain in accordance with claim 1, further comprising threeor more interconnected biodegradable material rings with at least onering being simultaneously interconnected with at least two other rings.15. A pet toy comprising: a first biodegradable material; a secondbiodegradable material overmolded by the first biodegradable material ina first region of the second biodegradable material.
 16. The pet toy ofclaim 15, wherein the first region comprises a distal end.
 17. The pettoy of claim 15, wherein the first region comprising a key to resistseparation of the first and second materials.
 18. The pet toy of claim15, wherein the first region comprises the entirety of the secondbiodegradable material.
 19. The pet toy of claim 15, wherein the firstbiodegradable material and the second biodegradable material differ byone of color and flavor.
 20. The pet toy of claim of 15, wherein the pettoy is configured as one of a bone, ball, and chicken leg.